Fuel distribution commenced at Kolonnawa and Muthurajawela terminals - minister

Fuel distribution has commenced at Kolonnawa and Muthurajawela terminals at 6.00 a.m. this morning (29), says Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera. 

He stated that police and armed forces personnel will continue to assist them and that adequate fuel stocks are available in the country. 

In a tweet, the minister also that it has been observed that some fuel stations have not placed orders for fuel anticipating the April price revision. 

He, therefore, requested the fuel station operators to place their orders accordingly and maintain the minimum stocks required.

His remarks came after the petroleum workers threatened to go on a strike in protest of the alleged attempts of the government to privatize the CPC.

On Monday, the trade union collective of petroleum workers staged a Satyagraha campaign opposite the Kolonnawa petroleum terminal. It was later called off after they decided to resort to a strike action.

Later, Minister Wijesekera instructed the CPC and CPSTL chairman to take disciplinary action against the petroleum workers who do not report for duty and called for the termination of employment.

He also vowed legal action against trade union activists or employees who disrupt the distribution of fuel, disrupt the work of other employees, or are acting in violation of the essential services orders.

Further, he urged the members of the public not to panic over shortages in fuel supply, assuring that there are adequate stocks of fuel in the country.

Speaking to Ada Derana, CPC and CPSTL chairman Mohamed Uvais ascertained that the fuel distribution to the 13 terminals across the country today, including Kolonnawa and Muthurajawela, is continuing without any hindrances.